Not to be rude thanks but I have had saltwater tanks a long time. This is my third running one right now and I know what I'm doing thanks though. I also have a 75, 200 and a nano. Now this one. I love my canisters.

Canisters aren't bad as long is maintenance is kept up. I've never understood why people say they're nitrate factories when they typically have very similar media in HOBs. Yet I never hear about those being an issue when it comes to nitrates. That Picasso is going to outgrow that tank though.

Canisters aren't bad as long is maintenance is kept up. I've never understood why people say they're nitrate factories when they typically have very similar media in HOBs. Yet I never hear about those being an issue when it comes to nitrates. That Picasso is going to outgrow that tank though.

Yeah, I question some of the advice offered here at times, canisters being nitrate factories being one of the more common misconceptions endlessly parroted around.ANY type of filtration method that employs any type of mechanical component where detritus will accumulate has the potential to be a "nitrate factory" if not maintained regularly and properly, even a live rock & skimmer only set-up.

My only question is about the choice of substrate as what you have offers no ph buffering capabilities. Not that you can't work with it, just colored gravel isn't often employed in salt set-ups. Nor does it offer the same degree of surface area and subsequent populations of BB as sand or crushed coral would. Colored gravel is often coated and that eliminates any micro-fissures and any internal surface area, something very much needed to help with nitrate breakdown.

Plus I fear that clown fish is going to get it's butt kicked by the damsels, especially the three-spot ones.